The idea behind the ‘In Touch’ programme at Manchester Museum and Imperial War Museum (IWM) North was to engage volunteers from groups that are hardly represented at all in the usual profile of museum volunteers. Project officers based at the museums began by making contact with agencies serving long-term unemployed people, those with limited skills, young offenders, asylum seekers and other groups.
Kate Clancy of Manchester Museum explains: “We contacted job centres and charities, via email, letter and word-of-mouth. We held meetings and networking days. Then we ran taster sessions, where people who were interested could come along. These were followed by oneto- one meetings with prospective volunteers, to find out their special interests and skills.”
A 10-week training programme follows, involving an introduction to the museums’ departments, object-handling sessions and trips to other museums. It’s a steep learning curve – but fun and sociable too. Finally, participants are offered volunteering opportunities, supported by Learn Direct courses in English, IT and other subjects.
Over three years, ‘In Touch’ will introduce around 180 people to volunteering. For some, the experience has already proved a bridge to employment. The project benefits the museums too. Says Kate: “‘In Touch’ is a really good way of diversifying our workforce.”